Racine – Thomas John Schmitt, age 80, passed away peacefully in his home on Monday, September 4, 2017. He was born July 9, 1937 to William and Regina (Poplowski) Schmitt.

He graduated from Washington Park High School in 1955. He worked at Oster Manufacturing where he met his future wife, Mickelan Jacquart. They wed on December 27, 1958 and had 3 daughters: Laura Lee (David) Dominguese, Suzanne (Don) Schmidt and Kathryn (Eric) Petersen. Tom went on to work at Case IH where he retired from in 1992.

Due to a Chronic case of Ants in the Pants, Tom was never one to sit still. He was an avid sportsman who loved fishing, hunting, bowling and golf. He enjoyed marching bands, Ritz Crackers, the Racine Raiders, karaoke and any type of family and friend gathering. He was happiest while watching his beloved Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers. Being a lifelong resident of Racine and involved with many organizations like The Kilties, Salmon a Rama and many years of City League softball and volleyball, he had an uncanny knack for remembering names and faces. Tom never went anywhere without bumping into someone he knew. He always took a moment or two…(or ten!) to chat. Whether you knew it or not, he considered you a lifelong friend. Never one to shy away from work, he was always willing to lend a hand even at a moment's notice.

He is survived by his 3 daughters, his 5 grandchildren of which he was incredibly proud: Theresa (Karl Stamm), Daniel (fiance, Sarah Worden) Paul Schmidt; Dana and Carmen Petersen and his brother David (Jane), and niece Jennifer (Steve) Spangler. He is also survived by his companion Bev Radtke, numerous friends and relatives and will be missed by all. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his ex-wife, Mickey (Jacquart) Schmitt.

A memorial gathering will be held in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Thursday, September 7, 2017 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. We ask that you wear favorite Packer or Badger attire to celebrate your friendship with Tom (he'd really like that). In lieu of flowers, please enjoy a brat and potato salad from Malicki's Piggly Wiggly, watch a game, and think of Tom.

Service Details

Visitation: in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Thursday, September 7, 2017 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm